Book of 1 Samuel - Chapter 28 - Verse 3

Upon the death of the prophet Samuel, the people of Israel mourned and buried him in his hometown of Ramah. Following Samuel's passing, King Saul took action to eradicate all forms of occult practices in the land. He expelled those who consulted familiar spirits and practiced witchcraft, as these activities were considered forbidden and dangerous according to the laws and beliefs of Israel. The removal of these individuals from the land was a significant step in maintaining the purity and faithfulness of the Israelites to God, as these practices were often seen as a form of rebellion against Him. By obeying and enforcing these laws, King Saul aimed to uphold the religious and moral principles that governed the Israelite society at that time.

Following the death of Samuel, the prophet and judge of Israel, King Saul took the opportunity to rid the land of those who practiced witchcraft and sought out familiar spirits. This action may have been influenced by Samuel's earlier admonition against consulting mediums and necromancers, as it was against the will of God. The mention of familiar spirits and wizards in this verse sheds light on the prevalent practice of divination and seeking supernatural guidance outside of God's will in ancient Israel. By banishing these practitioners from the land, Saul displayed a temporary adherence to God's commandments, although his reign would later be marked by disobedience and downfall. This verse serves as a reminder of the importance of staying faithful to God's ways and avoiding the temptations of seeking supernatural knowledge through illegitimate means.